Breakfast links: Metro is investigating why its doors closed without warning riders

Metro investigates rail car doors closing without warning

After videos on social media circulated showing Metro’s 7000-series car doors shutting without warning as trains picked up passengers, the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission opened an investigation Friday to find out what caused multiple instances of doors closing without the automated “step back, doors closing” message. (Justin George / Post)

New DC rules for home sharing services are in effect

New rules for home sharing services in DC allow short-term rentals of bedrooms, basements, or carriage houses as long as the owner also resides on the property during the rental. It also set a 90-day annual cap on short-term rentals when the owner is not present, and bans short-term rentals of second or third homes. (Martin Austermuhle / WAMU)

Maryland officials call for a safety meeting after a recent crash

In the aftermath of a two-car crash on Connecticut Avenue that seriously injured a man who was on the sidewalk holding his bike, Maryland lawmakers representing Chevy Chase and Kensington will hold a public meeting on November 5 about how to make that stretch of road safer. (Dan Schere / Bethesda Beat. Tip: Chester B.)

DC may study relaxing the Height Act

Proposed amendments to the DC Comprehensive Plan include studying expanding affordable housing through relaxation of the Height Act. However, only Congress has the authority to make changes to the District’s building height restriction. (Nena Perry-Brown / Urban Turf)

An interactive map takes users back in time

Inspired by an interactive Smithsonian map showing the escape route of assassin John Wilkes Booth, a local historian created an interactive map of Arlington that lets users explore what the county looked like through photographs 100 years ago. (Airey / ARLnow)

Opinion: Solar panels enhance historic structures

DC should recognize the greater good of encouraging clean energy adoption through residential solar panels and reject the Historic Preservation Review Board’s recent ruling that solar panels harm the aesthetic of historic structures, the authors argue. (Evan Yeats, Erin Palmer, and Geoff Bromaghim / DC Line)

DC ranks second to NYC in the concentration of co-ops

Although condos in DC are more prevalent, there are over 100 co-op buildings in the District. An owner in a co-op buys shares in the building and pays monthly co-op fees that include the owner’s share of annual property taxes, utilities, services, and other expenses. (Jeff Clabaugh / WTOP)

A bill would require DC businesses to compost food scraps

As part of the districtwide goal of diverting 80% of trash out of the landfill or incinerator by 2032, DC Councilmember Mary Cheh introduced a bill that would add requirements and incentives to encourage recycling, including requiring DC businesses to compost their food scraps. (Jacob Fenston / WAMU)

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